The Employer’s Guide to C.O.B.R.A. Self-Administration

Recent changes to federal legislation and the expansion of state law in the area of employer-sponsored health insurance has created a complex set of rule for employers to navigate when addressing the rights of those who are subject to federal COBRA and state mini-COBRA laws. Despite this complexity, many employers attempt to self-administer COBRA despite the perilous penalties and numerous areas where compliance is nearly impossible. The book provides the necessary tools, guidance and information for those brave enough to consider COBRA self-administration. Topics include an overview of COBRA eligibility, COBRA's extensive notice requirements, the premium subsidy under ARRA, COBRA's election procedures, and COBRA's interactions with other laws.

Recent changes to federal legislation and the expansion of state law in the area of employer-sponsored health insurance has created a complex set of rule for employers to navigate when addressing the rights of those who are subject to federal COBRA and state mini-COBRA laws. Despite this complexity, many employers attempt to self-administer COBRA despite the perilous penalties and numerous areas where compliance is nearly impossible. The book provides the necessary tools, guidance and information for those brave enough to consider COBRA self-administration. Topics include an overview of COBRA eligibility, COBRA's extensive notice requirements, the premium subsidy under ARRA, COBRA's election procedures, and COBRA's interactions with other laws.

Diane Pfadenhauer is an attorney, human resources professional and is a professor in the M.B.A. program at St. Joseph’s College in New York. Diane is a member of the New York State Bar. She is a frequent speaker and writer and her articles have appeared in industry publications including HR Magazine, HR Advisor, the Journal of Private Equity, and periodicals published by Dow Jones, Inc. She is also the author of the award-winning weblog www.strategichrlawyer.com, viewed by over 25,000 visitors per month and named one of the top two human resources sites by the American Bar Association. She is the author of several books including Workplace Investigations: Discrimination and Harassment and The Employer’s Guide to New York Employment Laws, The Employer’s Guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act, and, The Employer’s Guide to COBRA Self-Administration. She has been quoted in major news publications around the country on issues related to employment law and human resources. Diane is a member of several for-profit and nonprofit advisory boards. She received her law degree, cum laude, from St. John’s University School of Law. She is a graduate of New York Institute of Technology’s Center for Labor and Industrial Relations where she received her M.S., with distinction. She received her B.A. from S.U.N.Y. Potsdam, majoring in Industrial Labor Relations. She is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) by the Human Resources Certification Institute.